Choose better wheels or better groupset?

[bennydorano]

As I've just sold my winter bike this evening I guess I'm buying a new yoke. I reckon I'm down to buying a Caad10 or going for a Ribble Grand Fondo. Not sure if I should go with the Aliuminium Caad10 with Ultegra set up or the Carbon Ribble with a 105 set up but speccing it with Fulcrum 3 wheels.

The question therefore is - what is the better option, the better groupset or the better wheels?

 

[HLaB]

Beyond 105 I don't think things get much better just a little smoother and lighter, I'd go for the better wheels in theory that should offer you most bang for buck.

 

[bennydorano]

Cheers, I was leaning that way. Trouble with buying a Ribble is that I wont get my arse onto it until it arrives, the Geometry seems near enough spot on to my bianchi. I've bought twice online, 1 a big hit and 1 a big miss.

 

[PpPete]

Upgrading whels at that sort of level is always going to be a chunk of money, whereas you can swop out the individual 105 components as they wear out, or as cash for "bling" becomes available.

Or you could just get a proper bike with Campagnolo..... I'll get my coat

 

[bennydorano]

On a related note is Campy Centaur the 105 equivalent? I've noticed on the Ribble bikebuilder Campy Zonda wheels seem good value when I select Campy instead of Shimano gear.

 

[PpPete]

Centaur is at the top of Campag's 10 speed range. Their "higher" groupsets are all 11 speeds. I don't think direct comparisons to Shimano are relevant

Wheels .... much as I like Campag's shifters & drive trains, their wheels look, to me, like a triumph of fashion over practicality & durability.

 

[Kestevan]

Personally I'd go with the lighter wheels.


However., based on personal experience I'd be loath to risk any major purchase from Ribble. When everything is OK they're fine, however if you have problems and have to deal with their "Customer Support" then may the gods have mercy on you.

 

[VamP]

How about CAAD10 with 105... and better wheelset?


Your question as posed is misleading, because what you really should be asking is which is the better frameset. CAAD10 IMO, but others may disagree.


I saw a 2011 CAAD10 with 105 for £ 860 somewhere in the sales. Mate that with a good wheelset and you've got a seriously fast machine. Keep the stock wheels as winter trainers and you're sorted.


The difference between 105 and Ultegra is mainly in weight. And not that much either.

Regarding your question on Centaur, I have that on my Bianchi, and Ultegra on my Cube. Centaur is a nicer switching groupset, but they are fairly close. As said above it is Campy's top 10 speed groupset, and a very nice piece of kit.

The Centaur carbon chainset is lovely and remarkably light.

 

[Fletch456]

+1 for better wheels - the next most important thing after the frame IMO. Though I may be preaching to the converted now.

 

[rusty bearing]

Another plus 1 for the wheels, makes a bigger difference than you might imagine

 

[bennydorano]

Have come across a great deal for a Felt F5 that is turning my head, anyone had any experience with them? Looks like an agressive sort of geometry that seems to suit me.

 

[Dayvo]

I've got a CAAD 10 105 and upgraded to Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels and am very happy with it,

 

[Chrissymx]

+1 For the CAAD10 I picked my up for £900 in the sales and Im very happy with it. However the RS10s that it came with will be the first things to change on my list.

 

[brokenflipflop]

+1 For the CAAD10 I picked my up for £900 in the sales and Im very happy with it. However the RS10s that it came with will be the first things to change on my list.

I've had my CAAD10 for about 4 months and I upgraded the RS10's for some Pro-lites. They cost me £270 and I don't know if it's because I'm not finely tuned enough but I can honestly say the only difference I've noticed is the damage it's done to my bank account.